This ruling is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent by Russian authorities, particularly against independent media, which has intensified amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Kira Yarmysh, press secretary for Navalny's widow, criticized the verdict, asserting that the journalists were being punished merely for doing their jobs.

Human Rights Watch stated that the arrests of Navalny's associates, including these journalists, are part of a systematic effort by the Russian government to erase his political legacy and suppress dissent.

Judge Natalia Borissenkova announced the sentences, which were slightly less than the five years and 11 months requested by the prosecution, and the accused maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.

A Russian court has sentenced four journalists to five and a half years in prison for allegedly collaborating with an extremist anti-corruption group founded by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Among those sentenced are Faworskaya and Kriger, who worked for SotaVision, an independent news agency known for covering protests and political events.

The trial, which took place in secret and without public access, has raised serious concerns about transparency and judicial fairness.

During the sentencing, the journalists remained defiant, with one notably eating popcorn in court as a protest against the trial's perceived absurdity.

The German foreign ministry condemned the ruling, emphasizing that it reflects the lack of genuine press freedom in Russia under President Vladimir Putin.

As the situation for journalists in Russia continues to deteriorate, many are forced to work under pseudonyms for foreign media to evade censorship and persecution.

Kriger, the youngest of the accused at 24, expressed his determination to continue reporting despite the risks, stating he is willing to sacrifice his freedom for journalistic integrity.

The journalists' lawyers plan to appeal the ruling, arguing that the prosecution presented no substantial evidence during the trial and that journalism should not be equated with extremism.